Two weeks after Fórsa’s industrial action began, the union has secured a roadmap to job evaluation for our members in local authorities. After intensive engagement in conciliation at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Monday, the Divisional Executive strike committee agreed to withdraw the current instruction pertaining to the ban on non-statutory political representations with immediate effect.

The ICTU group of unions representing health and community workers, employed in community and voluntary sector agencies funded by the HSE and other state agencies, have announced  that indefinite strike action, in several selected employments nationwide, is to commence from Tuesday 17th October next. The union group, led by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), said the strike action will involve thousands of health and community workers in a variety of grades and in multiple locations, bringing services to a halt.

The living wage should rise to €14.80 an hour from its current rate of €13.85 per hour to compensate workers for inflation, an advisory group has said. The Living Wage Technical Group (LWTG), set up in 2014 by trade unions and charities to lobby for a wage it believes allows a full-time worker to afford the goods and services that people have agreed are essential for enabling a life with dignity, made the latest recommendation.

Just under 50,000 individuals or couples have claimed the Rent Tax Credit this year out of the 400,000 individuals who are eligible to apply, new figures show. The figures come as the government contemplates doubling the amount available for renters to claim back in next month’s Budget.

And a number of weather warnings come into place this morning as Storm Agnes arrives on Irish shores.

Finally, with the weather we have today, the urge to listen to music as grey as the sky outside is simply irresistible. Hozier brings us the hug that everybody needs, offering warmth and coziness on such a rainy day. Enjoy!